Reading, Pa. (Nov. 16, 2020) - Alvernia University Athletics was saddened to learn of the passing of former Women's Lacrosse coach Kelly McCloskey on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. 

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kelly McCloskey," said Alvernia University President John R. Loyack. "The McCloskey family is synonymous with our university community. The entire Alvernia community is praying for comfort for John and their three children during this unimaginably difficult time." 

Kelly McCloskey joined the Alvernia staff in 2006 as the Operations Manager and Women's Lacrosse coach—a post she held for 13 years.  She guided Alvernia to a school record 12 wins in both 2010 and 2012, and her 2012 team won an ECAC Title. 

"Kelly carved out her own chapter of the McCloskey Legacy at Alvernia," said Alvernia Director of Athletics Bill Stiles.  "Kelly brought positivity and fun to every aspect of her life and those that she touched.  Among many other things, Kelly was a great mom, colleague, coach, mentor, and friend." 

Her father-in-law, Jack McCloskey was the head coach of Alvernia Men's Basketball for 13 seasons and led Alvernia to the NCAA Division III Final Four in 1997.  Her husband, John McCloskey served as an assistant coach with his father, was the Director of Athletics at Alvernia from 2001 to 2009, and now serves as the University's Chief of Staff. 

Kelly McCloskey was a standout lacrosse player at Boyertown High School.  She went on to play collegiately at Temple University where she played in three NCAA Division I Championships with one Final Four appearance with the Owls. 

After college, she began her coaching career as an assistant field hockey and lacrosse coach at Cabrini College.  She got her first head coaching job at Cedar Crest College taking over both the field hockey and women's lacrosse programs in the fall of 1998.  She was promoted to the Director of Athletics at Cedar Crest in 2002. 

In addition to her role as Operations Manager and coach at Alvernia, McCloskey worked with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee to develop the Progressive Leadership Model for Emerging Leaders, and she served on the NCAA Regional Advisory Committee and the IWLCA All-American Committee. 

Anyone who knew Kelly is encouraged to contribute to this Tribute Board set up by Alvernia Athletics.